Year after year, we learn about foods that have been rediscovered by experts, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and are now considered superfoods.

In previous years, the most popular superfoods included chia, flaxseed, cacao nibs, quinoa, and goji berries; however, it seems that in 2022, the nutritious foods that will gain the most popularity will be yuzu, mankai, and moringa. At Kiwilimon, we tell you everything you need to know about these superfoods that you will surely see everywhere this year.

Yuzu

The yuzu is a citrus fruit that originated in China over 1,000 years ago. This small yellow fruit is quite bitter in taste. Although it is used in all kinds of dishes, yuzu not only adds great flavor but is also known for its health benefits.

Yuzu is considered a superfood because it is rich in fiber and vitamins A, B5, B6, and C. Moreover, it contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and combat the effects of free radicals in our body.

Regarding more specific benefits, a couple of studies have found that yuzu may help prevent heart disease, as it improves blood flow and prevents blood clot formation. On the other hand, yuzu may not only be excellent for the heart but also for the brain. Some animal studies indicate that this citrus could protect against diseases like Alzheimer's, but it could also improve memory. Additionally, yuzu seems to have incredible properties to regulate blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, and control bad cholesterol levels. However, it is worth mentioning that more studies and research are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of yuzu.

You can also read: Health trends for 2022

Mankai

Mankai, also known as water lentils, is a small aquatic plant that is packed with nutrients and health benefits. Here’s why it is ideal to include this superfood in your diet.

In 2019, a group of experts from Ben-Gurion University conducted a study to monitor the effects of mankai on glucose levels. A percentage of the participants consumed a shake with mankai, while others ingested a yogurt-based shake. After two weeks, those who consumed mankai showed lower glucose levels and took longer to record spikes in their sugar levels, but they also felt satisfied for a longer time.

You can also read: How should we eat according to traditional Chinese medicine?

Moringa

Moringa is another superfood that you will see everywhere this year. This tree is native to northern India and is widely used in traditional medicine. Today, it is common to find moringa in powder and capsule form. Moringa has beneficial effects on health, and here are some of them.

As for its health benefits, it is worth mentioning that the leaves contain more nutrients than the seeds, but the latter are rich in vitamin C, making both excellent superfoods.

The benefits of moringa are many, but one of the most important is that it is rich in antioxidants, a substance that combats free radicals. On the other hand, it also seems to have properties against diabetes, as it lowers blood sugar levels; however, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits. Finally, moringa has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in humans according to various scientific studies.

You can also read: Learn about the uses of moringa